Untitled - Dark Peak Fell Runners

Summer 2004
Jack Bloor Races : 11 May 2004
Orienteers Triumph On Ilkley Moor
Local orienteers triumphed in the 19 th
running of the annual Jack Bloor fell races
which were sponsored by The Complete Runner of Leeds Road, Ilkley.
On a cool evening ideal for running the senior race was won by 21 year old
international orienteer Matthew Speake from York Orienteers who has previously
placed third on two occasions in the race. His time of 40mins 26 sees was well outside
the record set by Greg Hull from Leeds City. He was well clear of J Thomas from
Cardiff in second place and previous winner Dark Peak's Richard Wren who battled it
out finishing only 3 seconds apart. The men's team race was won by orienteers from
team Nopesport, beating local fell running specialists Pudsey and Bramley well into
second place. Third team was another Pudsey club the Pudsey Pacers. Winner of the
men's veteran class was John Wooton from Bradley who has consistently won this
category in recent years.
The ladies race was comfortably won this year by Kirsten Bailey from Addingham
running for Bingley Harriers in a time of 50mins 32 sees with another orienteer
Aislinn Austin of York club Eborienteers second and Heather Dawe of local club
Ilkley Harriers third. Winner of the lady veteran class was Alison Bennett of Ilkley
Harriers. Her prize was a newly engraved rose vase presented in memory of Mike
Rose, much respected secretary of the Fell Runners Association who was a great
supporter of this race over many years, and who died last year. His niece had come
over especially to present the prize which was a nice touch.
This year the associated junior races held beforehand produced a record entry of 106
enthusiastic youngsters. Boys age 6 to 9 category was won by Kieran Thompson of
Wharfedale and the girls Beth Woodley of Airenteers. Boys age 10 to 13 was won by
Thomas Sessford of Keighley with 9 year old Florence Haines of Airenteers running
up a class to take the girls prize and sixth place overall. The boys age 14 to 16 was
won in an exciting finish by Ben Stevens of Airenteers . Chloe Haines comfortably
won the girls. She is also of Airenteers, who are the current British club orienteering
champions due in no small part to their very strong junior section.
With the number of orienteers walking away with prizes in a fell race, they certainly
proved that they are athletes on a par with some of the best fell runners.
Hilary Bloor
Some You Win Some You Lose : 12 May 2004
After chatting with Gavin, we decided to alter the route this year as the old one was
getting a bit tame. Gavin came up with a storming alternative and just left me to
organise it as I was not running due to injury. A Family crisis meant I could not
guarantee to be there, so Gavin sorted the job lot out. It went really well, only
favourable comments were heard and we may refine the route further next year. The
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